Two new cases of coronavirus confirmed in Derbyshire

Public Health England has confirmed two further cases of coronavirus in Derbyshire.

The total number of people infected with the Covid-19virus in the county is now 3.

The two new patients were infected in Italy. The other case that was confirmed last week is said to have been picked up in Tenerife.

Public Health England is contacting the people who they believe have had close contact with the patients who have contracted the virus.

Dean Wallace, Director of Public Health for Derbyshire County Council, said:“I’d like to reassure people that the risk to the general public remains low and the local authority is working with health colleagues to do everything we can to stop the virus spreading and ensure the people of Derbyshire are protected.

“Good hygiene is the best prevention and there are some simple steps you can take to protect you and your family by washing your hands regularly and thoroughly and if you cough, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue."

The news comes after a case of the virus was confirmed in Northamptonshire yesterday (March 4).

In just 24 hours, more than 30 new cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in England, showing the biggest day-on-day increase in the country.

The total number of people now diagnosed in England has risen to 85, the Department of Health has confirmed.

England's chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty, said: "As of 9am this morning 32 further patients in England have tested positive for Covid-19.

"Twenty-nine patients were diagnosed who had recently travelled from recognised countries or from recognised clusters which were under investigation.

"Three additional patients contracted the virus in the UK and it is not yet clear whether they contracted it directly or indirectly from an individual who had recently returned from abroad. This is being investigated and contact tracing has begun."